Electrical switch.



F. W. WOOD.

ELECTRICAL SWITCH.

, APPLICATION FILED AUG. 2, 1912.

Patented A191228, 1914.

A, ff @Wim/nui F. W. WOOD.

ELECTRICAL SWITCH.

APPLICATION FILED AUG. 2, 1912.

Patented 111111.28, 1914.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

` K @woe/wko@ Fran/f la Ma@ P. W. WOOD.

ELECTRICAL SWITCH.

APPLICATION FILED Amm, 1912,

1,094,69 1 Patented Apr. 28, 1914.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

l @wow/lfb@ @WMM/daad 'l @www .UNTTED STATES FRANK W. WOOD,

CHARLES CORY &;

or `New YORK, n. Y., SON, INC., or New YORK, N. Y., A

ASSIGNOR, BYMES'NE ASSIGNMENTS, TO

CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

ELECTRIICAL SWTCH.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed August 2, 1912. Serial No. 712,992.

b all collo/1t t m ay concern Be it known that I, FRANK lV. 7001), a citizen of the United States, residing at New York, in the county of New ot New York, have invented new and useful improvements in Electrical Switches, of which the Jfollowing is a specification.

My invention relates to electrical switches suitable for general use but specially adapted Ator serviceas a part of a. ships telegraph, en'rployed for reporting the course of the ship, the angular position of a torpedo'gyroscope, or the number of revolutions per unit ot time ot a propeller` shaft, or tor indicating range or deflection expressed in degrees', or for transmitting certain 4brief battle orders.

My electric switch, as generally used in practice, serves the purpose of a transmitter unit employed in connection with an indicating unit, several transmitting units and an equal number of indicating units being placed in the` same casing. there being one of these casings at each ot two stations.

Each transmitting unit at either station is connected with a corresponding indicating unit at the other station so that orders may be made from onestation to the other and repeated back by the station at which they are received.

Reference is to be made to the accompanying drawings forming a part oit this speciiication, and inwhich like letters indicate like parts.

Figure 1 is a vertical section through a casing containing a number of my improved transmitter units or switches and a like num- 1per of indicating units Fig. 1"L is a detail showing in cross section one of the switches, the section' being taken on the line L -a ot Fig. 1. Figlis a side elevation showing the casing containing switches and indicating units and a stanchion for supporting the same. Fig. 3 is a front elevation showing in full lines the casing containing several transmitting units or switches and an equal number of indicating units and 1n dotted lines the relative llocations of said units. Fig. 4 is a fragmentary diagram of the wiring connecting two stations together.

The body of the inclosing casing .for the switches and indicating units is `shown at 5 and is supported in a slanting position upon the upper end ola stanchion 6, as-

shown in Fig. 2. Mounted upon the body York and State" portion' of said casing is a cover 7. A. number of lamps S are mounted within the casing and are used for enabling the operator to observe the indications and to see how to actuate the instrument. The casing cover 7 is provided with windows 9 through which indications may be read ott'. The casing may have any convenient or desired number of transmitting and indicator units. In this instance there are three indicating units l0, 11,12 and a lil-:e number of transmitter units or switches. The indicator units need not be exactly alike, and in this instance the indicator unit 10 is provided with a smaller number of poles than either of the two indicator units 11, 12. This is due merely to the character of the intelligence to be transmitted. The particular device shown is especially adapted for transn'iitting or indicating a number of degrees and as the number et degrees in any circle never exceeds 360 and the numerals necessary to indicate any l number ot degrees can always be transmitted without requiring the use of 'many integers for the irst of the three numerals in question. 'Tn other words, there is never any need tor the indicating unit 10 to disclose a numeral higher than 3 and consequently this indicator unit may have a smaller number of polar positions than the .other indicator units employed. As a consequence, the tran smitter unit associated i fith the indicator' unit 10 need not be adapted tor distributing a large number oi:l separate currents in order to actuate the indicator unit in question. Except as regards the number Aoi' poles and polar positions however, the indicator units 10, 11, 12 are alike. Each indicator unit is provided with a revoluble dial 13 carrying a number of numerals upon its tace, these numerals being visible through the windows 9, as will be understood from Fig. 3. The three transmitter unitsA are shown at 14, 15, 16 and are severally provided with revoluble handles 17, 1S, 19 whereby they are actuated. At Q0, 21, 22 are windows through which observations mav be made by the operator for the purpose of ascertaining the relative positions of the several transmitter units; in other words, through which the numbers being transmitted may be read of. Secured to the inner lower surface of the cover 7 i are supporting legs Q3, and mounted upon these is a casing oi' cylindrical form.

Patented Apr. 728, 1914.

' of insulating material.

4ments just f enumerated.

surface This casing is provided with a rear wall The handles 1 25 having generally the form of a spider and provided centrally with a bearing 26. Each handle 17, 18, 19 is mounted rigidly upon a revoluble stein 27, the latter extending through a stuffing box 28.in the cover 7 and carries a lcylindrical member made of two or more parts insulated one from the other, two such parts 46, 47 being shown in Fig. 1.

Mounted rigidly upon the stem 27 is a dial 30 provided with numerals, the number or" these numerals being commensurate with the purpose required. The numerals oi the respective dials may be read through the windows 20, 21, 22. The cylindrical casing 24 is stationary by virtue of its connection with the legs 23. Mounted within the casing 24 is a quantity of insulation 32, and supported by aid ofA the latter are a nuin- 7, 18, 19 may be turned conturned in two directions as desired. Carried by the cover 7 are two brackets 61 hav- .ing pivot pins 62, these pivot pins extending through brackets 63 which are secured rigidly upon the casing 5. The parts are so arranged that the cover 7 when swung open hangs from the pivot pins 62. Mounted within the casing'5 are panels 64, 65 of insulating -niaterial, and mounted upon these panels are electrical connections 66, 67 to facilitate connecting' up the various conducting parts. The cover 7 is lsecured in position by aid of special bolts 68 provided with angular heads 69, the latter being housed in countersinks 7 0 and provided with reduced portions 71 to facilitate their retention upon the cover 7 by aid oi retainber of segments 33, 34, 35, 36, 37 of coning screws 72, as will be understood from ducting material, tliese segments being in- Fig. 1. A gasket 73 is located between the sulated from each other by small blocks 38 Two rings 39, 40ct conducting material are disposed upon opposite sides of the circle made up of the seg- A number of smaller segments 41 are grouped together in the forni of a circle and are connected together by wires 42 and insulated from each other by segiiient-shaped blocks 43 of insulating material.

Slidably mounted within the cylindrical part 46, and extending diametrically across the same are two brushes 48, 49. Revolubly mounted in the outer ends of these brushesare rollers 50, 51 ofconducting material.r Three other rollers 52, 53, 54 are revolubly mounted in the outer ends of three brushes 55, 56, 57, these brushes being quite similar to the others just mentioned, but extending in a dia-metrica-lly opposite direction, as will be understood from Fig. 1, and are slidably mounted in the cylindrical part 47. The various brushes are each of tubular form and provided with a spring 58 and with a. partition 59 against which this spring presses. Each brush is further provided with a limiting stop 60 extending radially inward from the outside of the cylinder 46 or 47, and against this stop the spring also presses. The cylinders` 46, 47 are insulated from each other by a plate 55 of insulating material and from end plates on the stem 27 by insulation 44, v45. and together constitute a cylindrical member which as a whole may be turned by the `corresponding handle 17, 18 or 19; The rollers 50, 51, 52, 53, 54 pro-v trude slightly from the outer peripheral of this revoluble cylindrical inember, which is slotted for this purpose. The rollers thus protruding are by virtue of the springs associated with them forced radially outward against the respectivesegments and rings adjacent to the paths of the rollers. i

casing 5 and its cover 7 for the purpose of rendering these parts water-tight.

Te transmitter units here shown differ from each other only in the number of segments employed in order to adapt them for use with indicators having diiierent numerical ranges`or in other words,l different numbers of poles and polar positions. The differences between the transmitter units, due tol this cause, make but little the mechanical construction of the transmittei units, and the diii'erence can best be understood by reference to the diagram shown in Fig. 4. I will now describeoth'isVA diagram. Two conductors are shown at 7 75 and'inay be the ships mains or wires connected therewith. At 76 is a hand switch, and adjacent to the latter are fuses 77, 78. Connected with the :t'use 78 is a wire 79, and connected with the latter are two Wires 80, 81. A wire 82 leads from the wire 81 tothe transmitter unit 14. Connected withf'the wires 81, 82 is a wire 83 which leads to a position adjacent to the transmitter unit 15 and is there `connected to a wire 84 which leads to the ring 40 of this unit. Connected with the wires 83, 84 is a wire 85 which leads to the transmitter unit 16 which is not shown but is like the transmitter unit 15. A wire 86 leads also to the transmitter unit.16. Connected with thewire 86 is a wire 87 which leads to the ring 39 of the transmitter 15. A wire 88 is connected withthe Wires 86, 87 and also With a wire 89, the latter wires 88, 89 are connected to latter being inI communication .wi-thtlie Vfuse 77.

The segment 33 of the transmitternnit 15 is connected by a wire 91 with lar wires 92, 93, 94, 95 connect the several sectors 34, 35, 36 and 37 with the respective magnets 97, 98, 99, 10() of said indicator unit.

tinuously in the same direction or maybe difference in roo 120 leading 'to the transmitter. unit 14. The a wire'90, the,

n a magnet 96 of a corresponding indicator unit 11. Sirni- Wires 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 extend respectively from the magnets 96, 97, 93, 99` 100 to magnets 106, 107, 10S, 109 and 110. The five magnets last mentioned are connected to a wire 111 having generally the 'form or a ring and serving to some extent the purpose of a common return wire. tor each and all of these magnets. At 112, 1121L are solenoids, and extending through the same are revoluble cores 113, 114. A wire 115 leads trom the solenoid 112 to the solenoid 112a and with the fuse 77. A wire 116 is connected with the solenoid 112 and with vthe wire 7 9 and fuse 73.` A wire 117 is connected with the solenoid 112? A wire 120 is connected with the wire 117, and leads to an electric bell 121 which is for the purpose oit giving an alarm. Connected with this bell is a wire 122, and connected with the latter is a. wire 123. A wire 124 leads from the wire 123 to one of the segnients 41 ot the transniitter unit 15. A wire 125 is connected with the wires 122, 123 and leads to the transmitter unit.v 14. A wire 126 is connected with the wires 123, 124 and leads to the transmitter unit 16, as shown.v

- rlhe transmitter unit 14 is provided with three segments 127, 123, 129, and connected with these segments respectively are wires 130, 131, 132. These wires lead respectively to magnets 133', 134, 135 ont `the corresponding indicator unit 10. The indicator unit 10 is provided with three other magnets 136, 137, 138, and connected with the latter are wires 139, 140, 141 leading respectively to the magnets 133, 134 and 135. cores of the indicator unit 10 are shown at- 142, 143. The solenoids of the indicator 10 are shown at 144,145, connected by a wire 147, and at 146 is a wire connected with the magnets 136, 137, 138 and serving as a com- The operation of my device is as follows: Suppose that the operator the transmitting station wishes to transmit a signal related to a particular number ot degrees, say 359. He grasps the handle 17 (see Fig. 3) and turns it until the numeral 3 is visible through the window 20. He neXt'grasps the handles 18, 19 and turns' them until the numerals 5 and 9 are seen through the windows 21, 22. 1n doing this he completes various electricalcircuits which may be readily traced. For the salte of cleafrness I will trace one ot these circuits on Fig. 4, as follows: source of supply (not shown) wire 75, bottom blade of switch 76, fuse 73, wires 79, S1, 83, ring 40 ot transmitter 15, brushes ot' cylinder 47, to segments 35 and 36'; here the current divides, aV port-ion pursuing the following course: segment 35, wire 93 to indicator 11 at4 receiving station magnet 98 thereof, wire 103, magnet 103,y wire 111, 'magnet 106, wire 101, magnet 96, wire 91, segment 33 of transmitter 15, `crushes ot The revoluble' some indication 1 cylinder 46` ring 39, wires S7, 88, 90, fuse 77 upper blade of switch 76, wire 74, back to source o1 supply. The other portion ot the circuitI where the current divides between segments 35, 36, as above described, may be traced as tollowsz'segment 36, wire 94, magnet 99 ot said indicator 11, wire 104, magnet 109, wire 111, magnet 106, wire 101, magnet. 96, wire'91, segment 33, brushesl of cylinder 46, ring 39, wires S7, S3, 90, fuse 77, upper blade ot switch 76 and wire 74 back to source of sup- Jly. r1`he various magnets 9S, 99, 96, 10S, 109, and 106 are thus energized. Another circuit is also completed as follows: source o1' supply l(not shown) wire 75, lower' blade of switch 76, fuse 78, wire 110, solenoid 112, wire 115, solenoid 112A wire 117. 'fuse 77, upper blade ot switch 76, wire 74 back to source ot' ruimily. rthis circuit energizes the solencids 112 and 112a and causes the revolution oit the dial 13. The dials of the mechanism Vlfor this purpose need not be herein described as they are set forth in `my copending application, Serial No. 711,373. Sultice it to say that the cores 113` 114 am adapted to turn step by step and for the purpose are provided with appropriate pole pieces which are acted upon magnetically by the various magnets in this indicator unit. Another circuit is also completed as follows: source ot supply, wire 7 5, lower blade ot switch 76, tuse 7S, wires 79, 83, 34, ring 40, brushes ot cylinder 47, adjacent segmentl 41 and other sectors 41 of the same series and wires 42, wires 124, 123. 122, bell 121, wires 120` 117,l fuse 7 7, upper blade ot switch 76 and wire 74 back to source et' supply. The circuit thus traced being energized, the bell 121 is sounded. The operator at the receiving station is thus apprised that being made or. is being changed; he, therefore, observes the instrument. After reading the indication he repeats itI back after which the operator at the transmitting station opens his switch 76 or otherwise cuts ott' the current it the indication transmitted is not to be disclosed continuously. v

The circuits for the indicator unit 10 and `the transmitter unit 14 do not ditter materially from the circuits above described with reference to the indicator unit 11 and the transmitter unit 15, with the exception that the number of circuits is smaller.

Vhile l show a. special or preferred application, ot my invention. 1 do not wish to limit myself' thereby as the invention may be used in a great Variety of relations and for any number of widely related purposes.

Vvlhatl I claim is:

1. In an electric switch, the combination et a stationary casing, a plurality of segments ol conducting material mounted within said casing in circular paths and `insu- 'parts of said member in each of which said lated from one another and from the casing, a ring of conducting material mounted within said casing and insulated therefrom and from .the segments, are'voluble member within said casing formed With parallel diametrical sockets, brushes each comprising a stem sliclable longitudinally in one of said sockets, a contact on the' end of each stem in position to engage respectively said ring and the segments, and resilient means in said sockets tending to force the stems outwardly, and electrical connections for said ring and for each segment.

2. In an electric switch, the' combination of a stationary casing, a pair of continuous conducting rings mounted in said casing and insulated therefrom and :from i each other, a plurality of segments ofeonducting material' arranged in circular paths Within said casing and insulated therefrom and from one another,- a revolub'le member eX- tendinginto said casing made of a number of cylindrical parts insulated one from the other, each of saidA parts being formed with a plurality of diametrical sockets,- a brush slidable in each socket comprising a stem, a roller on its outer end, and a spring in each socket, said-springs holding the rollers in contact with the respective conducting rings and circular group of segments, and electrical connections for 'said rings and segments.

3. In an electrical switch, 'the combination of a easing of substantially cylindrical form, segments and conducting rings mounted `therein and insulated therefrom and from one another, within said casing and provided withmeans whereby it may be turned, saidmember including a number of cylindrical parts of conducting material arranged in axialline insulated one from the other and from other a revoluble member mountedcylindrical parts are formed a pluralityof diametrical sockets open at one. end only through the side of each member, the sockets of the several parts opening at different points in the periphery of said member, a brush in each socket comprising a hollow stem, a roller on its outer end and a spring in the hollow of each stem, said springs forcing the roller outwardly into contact with the respective conducting rings and segments, and electrical connections for said rings and segments. n i' 4. In an electric switch the combination with a stationary easing, a pair of continuous conducting rings mounted in said casing and insulated therefrom and from each other, .a plurality of segments of con` ducting material arranged in circular paths within vsaid caslng'and insulated therefrom and from one another, a revoluble member extending into said casing comprising t-Wo circular yend plates and two cylindrical parts insulated from each other and from said end plates, each of said cylindrical parts being formed with a allel diametrical sockets, the sockets of O ne part opening through the sides of the revoluble memberopposite those in the other part, a` brush slidable in each of said sock*- ets' comprising a stem, a ,contact roller on its outer end and a spring forcing said brush outwardly, electrical connection between the brushes in each circular part, and

electrical connections for said rings and segments.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in presence of two subscribing witnesses.

. FRANK W. WOOD.

Witnesses:

`FRANK L. Nov/ur,

OsWALD HOUGHLAND;

plurality of par- 

